The vibrant and multicultural city of Bangalore has plenty to offer to anyone visiting here. A blend of ancient and modern India, this city represents all of what this incredible country has to give. One of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Bangalore has plenty of things to do to keep one pleasantly occupied. Whether you are holidaying alone or with your family, this city is the prefect destination to have a good time.

Some things to do in Bangalore include:

Visit the Bannerghatta National Park
Lying some 21 odd kilometers from Bangalore city is the beautiful Bannerghatta National Park. An important animal sanctuary, a visit to this national park is a definite must when in Bangalore. Ideal for families on holiday, the Bannerghatta National Park is located in a dense hilly forest area, where all the animals roam freely about and are not caged. Elephants, lions, panthers, tigers, and bears are just some of the many animals that can be found here.

Also in the national park are a crocodile farm, a snake show, a pet corner, a deer pen, a butterfly park, and a prehistoric animal park. While visiting here you can also arrange for a jeep or van safari to get up close and personal with the animals. The park is open everyday except on Tuesdays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Boating
Boating is a popular activity in Bangalore as there are a number of lakes and rivers around the area. Some of the more popular boating places in the city can be found at Ulsoor Lake. Here you can spend the entire day boating or you can take a canoe or row boat out. For the more adventurous jet skiing is a great option. If you enjoy things that are out of the ordinary, then go boating in circular saucer-shaped bamboo boats known as ‘parasel’ in Hogenekkal. Boat safaris are another great way to not only spend a lazy afternoon, but also offer visitors some spectacular South Indian scenery along the way.

Aero-sports & Paragliding
For the more thrill seeking holidaymaker Bangalore has some great aero-sport opportunities. Be it micro-light flying, parasailing, paragliding, parachuting, or sky diving, there are plenty of adventure companies based in Bangalore. Bangalore Aerosports, Agni Aerosports Adventure Academy, Aeronautical Society of India, and the Karnataka Mountaineering Association are just a few places that offer to let you ‘fly high’. An excellent place to go parasailing or paragliding is at Nandi Hills near Bangalore, where the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation has also introduced a paragliding facility.

Amusement parks
The Neeladri Amusement and Water Park is located on Hosur Road and is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. This combination park is the perfect place to take your family for a fun day out and with the city’s pleasant climate all year round, visiting this park can be a fabulous experience for one and all. With 45 different rides to choose from, the Neelandri Park is spread over 30 acres and has a video arcade, a Roman-style amphitheatre, restaurants, ice cream parlors, food stalls and locker facilities for visitors. Another popular amusement /water park is Crazy Waters on Bannerghatta Main Road, near Meenakshi Temple.

Bowling
A fun way to spend a quite afternoon is to go bowling at any one of Bangalore’s many bowling alleys. Mega bowl near Bangalore Airport is a cool place to have some fun. Along with an eight lane bowling alley, Mega Bowl also has video games, bumper cars, a cafeteria, a sports bar and a pro-shop. G’s Lanes located on the 3rd Floor of the Mota Royal Arcade, is another bowling alley that is definitely worth mentioning as well.

Cave Exploration & Hiking
There are plenty of hills and caves in and around the Bangalore area that are worth exploring. However before you do explore any caves, it is important that you take permission from the state government. If hiking is more your thing, than visit some of the many hills around the city and discover the indigenous flora and fauna that grow here. There are many trekking and exploration companies in the area such as Nature Admire or Born Free that are more than happy to help you on your way.

Golf
For the golfing enthusiast there are a number of state-of-the-art golf courses in the Bangalore area. While many clubs are for members only, there are plenty of clubs that will let you in for a small fee. The Bangalore Golf Club on 2 Sankey Road, The Eagleton Golf Resort at Bangalore Mysore Highway and the Karnataka Golf Association are just some of the clubs in the city that welcome visitors from all over.

Horse Racing/Horse Riding
For the avid punter Bangalore has some great horse racing events. The Bangalore Race Course is one of the best in the country, with racing events held almost all year round. However if you prefer to be part of the horse racing action, then head on over to the Embassy International Riding School, or the Bangalore Amateur Riders Institute. Another suggestion for a keen rider would be to take a horse safari around the area.